The Chakras: Their Purpose and Vibration

‘Chakra’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘wheel’ which describes their spinning motion while absorbing, giving out and distributing life force energy (ki) throughout our subtle and physical bodies. The chakras are the major energy centres of the body: when they are functioning correctly there is good free-flow of energy throughout the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies, resulting in balance and harmony. Chakras should be open to let energy flow freely in and out and between the different auric levels. The more energy that flows, the healthier we are. Illness in the system is caused by an imbalance of energy or a block in the flow of energy: in other words, lack of flow in our energy system eventually leads to disharmony and dis-ease.

There are 7 major chakras – crown, 3rd eye or brow, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral and root/base. Each is positioned along a central channel called the sushumna which runs from the base chakra to the crown chakra. The base and crown chakras form our connection to earth and spirit. The sushumna is encircled by two energy channels called Ida and Pingala which spiral upwards in opposite directions from the base chakra. The points where they meet along the central channel are known as the chakras. Chakras can be likened to multi-dimensional gateways that allow us to access different experiences and states of consciousness.

Each chakra relates to a different colour, note, element, endocrine gland and auric layer, which I will address is more detail in the next two blogs.

Purpose of the Chakras

The chakras have three main functions:-

1. To vitalise each auric body and therefore the physical body.

2. To promote the development of different aspects of consciousness. Each chakra relates to a specific psychological function.

3. To transmit energy between the auric layers.

Why do they vibrate at different frequencies?

Everything in the universe consists of vibrations occurring at different frequencies. The colours we see all around us are different frequencies of visible light as perceived by our physical senses and interpreted by the brain. Beyond this range lies ultra-violet light, radio waves and other light waves.

In eastern esoteric literature, each chakra is seen as having a certain number of petals. These appear to be small rotating vortices spinning at very high rates. Each vortex metabolizes an energy vibration that resonates at its particular spin frequency. For example the base chakra has 4 small vortices and metabolises 4 basic frequencies of energy, vibrating at the colour red. Four vortices is a relatively small amount of energy being metabolized and so this chakra relates to the physical, material world and issues of survival and security. The 3rd eye chakra has 96 vortices and corresponds to the colour indigo. Now consider that the crown chakra has 972 vortices and vibrates at the colour violet-white. This seventh chakra metabolizes the greatest amount of energy out of all the 7 major chakras and carries a very high spiritual vibration.

The chakras vibrate at different frequencies according to the spiritual qualities that govern each chakra:-

Root/base chakra – security and survival – colour red

Sacral chakra – relationships with others, power and control – colour orange

Each chakra deals with particular functions but the quality of the energy in the chakra can vary from person to person. For example, a strong red root chakra indicates someone who is well grounded with strong physical energy and vitality. If this chakra was dull in colour or weak, it would indicate an imbalance in the corresponding mental/emotional qualities such as lack of stability and financial security.

For most people the heart chakra vibrates at the colour green but in those who have developed greater compassion and universal love, it vibrates at the higher vibration colour pink. Similarly the crown can be violet, lavender or white, according to the level of spiritual development of the individual. If the higher crown chakra, the seat of the soul, is activated, the crown area is likely to be white, indicating a person living in line with their higher self, and living by higher truths with a strong sense of oneness and spiritual connection to others.

Suggested further reading:-

‘Hands of Light’ by Barbara Brennan

‘Anatomy of the Spirit’ by Caroline Myss

This is the first in a series of 3 blogs looking in detail at the human energy system. Part 2, The Chakras: Qualities, Correspondences & Stages of Development, will be available at the beginning of June.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. For further information about her courses, workshops and therapies, please visit her website at http://helenshortland.com.